New Online Poker Push for New York

new yorkIf New York opens the door to legalized online poker, there will be no shortage of gambling interests trying to get a piece of the action.

Representatives from Caesars, MGM Resorts International and the state’s racetrack casinos were among those who testified Wednesday at a state Senate hearing on the future of Internet poker in New York, where it’s currently illegal.

At various points, the individual gambling interests made the case — some subtly, others directly — that they’d be best-suited to hold an online-poker license should the game be legalized in the state, a step that’s far from certain.

“The Internet is the future, not just for the gaming industry but for any industry,” said John McManus, executive vice president and general counsel of MGM, the Las Vegas-based casino giant that was behind a social-media push in New York last year in favor of online poker.

The hearing was held by Sen. John Bonacic, an Orange County Republican who chairs the Senate Racing, Gaming and Wagering Board.

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